Well they had to do it. Maruti Suzuki India Ltd announced a accelerate in its price of most of its models. The increase is caused by increase in cost of steel.
The model and the increase as given below
M800 Rs 2000
Alto Rs 2500
Zen Estilo Rs 3000
Wagon R Rs 3000
Omni Rs 2200
SX4 Rs 6000
Versa Rs 3500
Swift Rs 4500+
Swift Dzire No Hike
Mr Ratan Tata’s personal quest has taken a huge step forward today at the New Delhi Auto Expo in India with the unveiling of the Tata Nano, otherwise known as the people’s car or Rs 1-Lakh car. Later this year the Tata Nano will be available in Indian showrooms for purchase, pricing is aimed at 1 Lakh (1 lakh is 100,000 rupees; Euro 1,740; USD 2,550)
Mr Tata said at the show: “I observed families riding on two-wheelers – the father driving the scooter, his young kid standing in front of him, his wife seated behind him holding a little baby. It led me to wonder whether one could conceive of a safe, affordable, all-weather form of transport for such a family. We are happy to present the People’s Car to India and we hope it brings the joy, pride and utility of owning a car to many families who need personal mobility.”
The Tata Nano measures 3.1 meters in length, 1.5 meters wide and 1.6 meters high, has plenty of ground clearance and is a little bigger than a smart car. The US is not likely to ever see the Tata Nano on the roads, nor is Western Europe, instead the people’s car is most likely to be marketed in bottom-of-the-pyramid countries, ie Africa, South East Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America.
The Tata Nano is powered by a two-cylinder, all-aluminium 623cc multi-point injection engine producing 33 hp and runs on gasoline. The car is rear-engined and has rear-wheel-drive and will be available as either a standard or luxury model with plenty accessories and body colour options.
The Tata Nano was designed by Italy’s Institute of Development in Automotive Engineering but Mr Ratan Tata, a trained architect with a penchant for designing consumer goods, stayed in the loop during the process.
Tags: car reviews, ferrari, car, autocars, cars, concept cars, mercedez, ford, car news
While the Tata Nano has been getting all of the headlines another cheap small car prototype was revealed over the last few days by Bajaj Automotive, which will serve as the platform for the Renault/Nissan $3000 car.
The Bajaj prototype is set to be launched on the Indian market in 2009 (nearly 2 years after the Nano) with a price of around $3000 (Rs 1.25 lakh) and following this it could make its way over to the European,US,Canadian and Japanese markets.
Fuel economy is reported to be twice as good as the current B segment cars with a gasoline engine and a diesel option will be made available as well and Bajaj have not ruled out the possibility of hybrid engine in the future.
What’s the Coolest New Car Feature?
The automobile industry continues to make great strides, bringing new, creative features to market each year. Whether related to safety, comfort or convenience, carmakers develop a wide variety of new features to attract new-car shoppers. With countless hours behind the wheel of new vehicles, the Cars.com reviewers identified what they consider the 10 most notable features that debuted in 2007.
“We’re impressed every year with the new features that show up in cars, but this year the 2008 Infiniti EX35, which goes on sale at the end of December, definitely offered the most,” said Cars.com managing editor Patrick Olsen. “It has our favorite new feature, Lane Departure Prevention.”
The Top 10 new car features according to Cars.com include:
Where you can find it: Infiniti EX35
Infiniti’s Lane Departure Prevention builds on conventional lane-departure warning systems, which detect lane markings and sound a chime if you drift astray. LDP goes one step further by gently applying the brakes to certain wheels to nudge you back on course. Sound too intrusive? Cars.com tried it out in the EX35 and it keeps a remarkably low profile. Hit the turn signal or steer the wheel slightly, and the system deactivates. On straight roads, it intervenes with just a hint of deceleration, and the dashboard chime alerts you of its actions. For its effectiveness and low profile, LDP is the winner.
Where you can find it: Infiniti EX35
The crusade for city-friendly transportation began years ago with plastic bumpers and dent-resistant doors. It reaches new heights with Infiniti’s Scratch Shield paint. On the EX35, Scratch Shield combines a highly elastic resin with the clearcoat finish. The resulting surface is said to maintain a glossy appearance over the years, and it can actually undo minor damage in the course of a few days. While Scratch Shield won’t repair dents or gashes, Infiniti says it can restore things like fingernail scratches under the door handles. Cars.com hasn’t had a chance to see it in action, but is intrigued by the prospects.
Where you can find it: Infiniti EX35
Let’s be clear on one thing: Infiniti’s Around View Monitor isn’t pretty. With cameras mounted on each side of the car, its fish-eye, top-down view distorts any three-dimensional object nearby. But is it effective? You bet. With a 360-degree view of exactly what’s around your car, it reduces getting into narrow parking spots and crowded alleys to a science. Even the best front-and-rear sonar systems can’t replicate this. You have to see it — and park it — to believe it.
Where you can find it: Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet
Tahoe, Chrysler Aspen, Dodge Durango, GMC Yukon
To date, hybrid technology has graced only compact and midsize SUVs Sharing a new 2-Mode Hybrid system, several GM and Chrysler Group full size SUVs and a pickup truck deliver significant mileage gains — if early estimates prove accurate. Some environmentalists cry heresy over this development, but Cars.com can’t see how fuel economy improvement in the vehicles that need it most could be a bad thing. The trucks give up almost none of their hauling and towing capabilities, remaining useful to the people who really need them and would buy full-size anyway, hybrid or not.
Where you can find it: Volvo V70
This is one of those simple features that make so much sense you wonder why they’re not present on more cars. In the new V70, the cushions of the outboard rear seats can easily be raised to one of two levels to better accommodate children, which means no more fumbling around with aftermarket booster seats. What’s more, Volvo says the side curtain airbags in the V70 extend lower, which in conjunction with the raised seating position gives a child’s head greater protection in a side-impact collision.
Where you can find it: Volvo S80
Cars.com is dubious about the usefulness of a heartbeat sensor, but we were won over by the fact that such a futuristic feature is available in oday’s cars. The heartbeat sensor, which Volvo says can help you determine if someone is lying in wait inside your car, is part of the S80 sedan’s Personal Car Communicator fob that can also do other things, like tell you if your car is locked or unlocked up to about 300 feet away.
Where you can find it: Hyundai Veracruz
Getting into the third row in SUVs has gotten progressively easier in recent years, but the Hyundai Veracruz has a three-step system that outshines the competition. Each part individually doesn’t seem like much, but put all together it’s a wonder no one else has thought of it. First, there’s a one-hand release latch that moves the second-row seat up, sliding it forward on rails. Secondly, there’s a cubbyhole tucked inside the Veracruz wall, right where little ones will need it to help themselves into the car. Finally, the second-row seats come with a handle that lets third-row occupants pull the seats back toward them, helping kids trying to get into the second row. Simple ideas, but great implementation.
Where you can find it: Chrysler minivans
Any parent can tell you that one of the big drags about taking kids on long trips is all the stuff you’ve got to carry with you. Chrysler’s new Sirius Satellite TV makes this a bit easier by removing your DVD collection from the list. Your kids can watch one of three channels (the Disney Channel, Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network) on one or both of the rear swing-down screens; if it’s just one, the other can show a DVD or video game. Given these three channels offer programming that can satisfy kids from infancy through their teen years, this is a big step forward.
Where you can find it: Various Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models
Ford has addressed driver distraction with a voice activation system that takes the fumbling out of using cell phones and digital music players. Sync allows drivers to control Bluetooth phones and MP3 players and storage devices that have a USB input using simple voice commands — it even reads text messages from compatible phones. Sync is standard on most uplevel trims in a dozen Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models; it’s a $395 option on base trim levels. That’s a lot of tech for not a lot of dough.
Where you can find it: C30, S40, S80, V50, V70, XC70, XC90
Volvo prides itself on safety innovations, and this is the latest. The new S80, V70 and XC70 have an optional blind spot information system that alerts drivers to cars that are hard to spot using mirrors. Two cameras are attached to the side mirrors, and a pale orange light illuminates whenever changing lanes would lead to hitting someone in the dreaded blind spot. A single button turns the system on and off if you’re in heavy traffic, but the faded hue of the lights doesn’t distract from driving It’s a clever heads-up for the safety conscious.
At a traditional luncheon with prominent speakers hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, Daimler Chairman Dr. Dieter Zetsche today presented the smart fortwo to representatives of U.S. businesses and government as an environmentally friendly solution for future mobility. Starting in January, the compact model, which has already been very successful in Europe with about 850,000 units sold, will also be available in the U.S.
2008 smart fortwo micro hybrid drive (mhd)
In his presentation to the high-profile audience in Washington, Dr. Zetsche expressed his conviction that the smart fortwo will be a resounding success in the U.S. as well. The reason is that the smallest model produced by Mercedes-Benz Cars is a standout - not only because of its unique compact design and intelligent, safety-oriented construction, but also thanks to its low fuel consumption and exemplary environmental friendliness. “Europeans are enthusiastic about the smart and we are beginning to see Americans share this enthusiasm,” said Dr. Zetsche. “More than 50,000 Americans have already tested the smart in our U.S. road show, and over 30,000 of them have by now reserved a vehicle.”
Zetsche added that he could well imagine a large-scale project in cooperation with a partner city in the U.S. to test the electrically powered smart fortwo, similar to the project that is currently running in London. Interested guests were able to experience the “zero-emission” smart fortwo at first hand during today’s event and form their own impressions through test drives.
The distribution partner for the sale of smart models in the U.S. will be the Penske Automotive Group.
GM Canada was today honoured by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), which named 4 GM entries as the best new vehicle in their respective categories.
The recognition results from recent back-to-back driving evaluations of over 60 new vehicles at the recent AJAC Test Fest evaluation - the foundation of the Canadian Car of the Year Awards (CCOTY) program.
2008 Saturn Astra XR
Saturn Astra: Best New Small Car
Saturn Vue: Best New CUV $35,000-$60,000
Buick Enclave: Best New CUV over $60,000
Chevrolet Silverado: Best New Pickup Truck
Over 70 of Canada’s top automotive journalists judged this year’s competition which aims to provide consumers with sound, comparative information on new vehicles.
“We’re honoured by these awards from Canada’s top automotive journalists, which we think will help consumers appreciate the strides GM has made in terms of product design, technology, fuel efficiency and quality,” said Marc Comeau vice president of sales, service and marketing for GM of Canada. “With surprising levels of content and benefits like OnStar and GM’s leading coverage, customers get much more for their money with a GM vehicle today.”
2008 Buick Enclave launch with Tiger Woods
The stylish and fuel efficient Saturn Astra impressed many with its excellent driving character and surprising level of content – all for less than $18,000.
The Saturn Vue compact crossover utility topped the competition’s largest category, edging out 10 other entries with its combination of style, driving character, safety, efficiency and value.
The Enclave proved that Buick offers quality and refinement at the very top of the class, but at a price Canadians can truly afford.
2008 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ Extended Cab
The Chevrolet Silverado extends GM’s decades-long legacy of sales leadership in full-size pickups, with a segment-best combination of fuel efficiency and capability that has seen sales continue to climb since its Canadian launch.
AJAC CATEGORY ENTRIES:
SMALL CAR
Saturn Astra, Ford Focus SE , Mitsubishi Lancer GTS, Subaru Impreza Sedan, Suzuki SX4 Sedan
SUV / CUV $35,000 - $60,000
Saturn Vue, Hyundai Veracruz, Infiniti EX, Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel, LandRover LR2, GMC Acadia SLT, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Pathfinder, Subaru Tribeca, Toyota Highlander, Volvo XC70
SUV / CUV over $60,000
Buick Enclave, BMW X5, Mercedes M-Class , Mercedes G-Class
PICK-UP
Chevrolet Silverado, Dodge Dakota, GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra
Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. has revealed a new concept car featuring multiple preventative features designed to help reduce drunk driving. Presently integrated on-board a production model Fuga sedan, the various technologies are designed to detect the driver’s state of sobriety and to activate a range of preventive measures including immobilization of the vehicle.
A hi-sensitivity alcohol odor sensor incorporated into the transmission shift knob, which can track down the presence of alcohol in the perspiration of the driver’s palm as he/she tries to start driving. When the alcohol-amount detected bypasses a threshold, the system automatically blocks the transmission, immobilizing the car. A “drunk driving” voice alert is turned on through the car navigation system.
Other alcohol odor sensors are located into the driver’s and passenger seats, assessing the alcohol vapors in the air inside the vehicle cabin. When alcohol is found, the system turns on a voice alert and a message alert on the navigation system monitor.
A camera fixed on the instrument cluster facing the driver supervises the driver’s face, assessing his/her state of consciousness based on the blinking. When signs of drowsiness are detected, the voice and message alert are activated. Moreover, a seat-belt mechanism tightens around the driver to gain his/her immediate attention.
Constant monitoring of the driving behavior (sensing if the vehicle is veering out of its driving lane), the system detects signs of inattentiveness in the driver. In the case of such behavior, voice, message and seat-belt alert mechanism are activated.This concept car was developed as an exploratory platform to showcase breakthrough technologies that could potentially be applied in future production cars, part of an ongoing program from Nissan contributing towards the prevention of drunk driving.
Nissan has already launched and is developing several initiatives to help prevent drunk driving. In June, the company introduced the “drunk driving” message alert on its navigation system. In July, Nissan also began testing of a new on-board breathalyzer system in cooperation with several local government authorities, where an interlock mechanism will immobilize the vehicle if the driver’s breath indicates the presence of alcohol above a specified level.
Nissan is taking holistic approach towards safety that extends beyond the technology built into its vehicles. To achieve a “safe driving environment”, Nissan has embarked on the Intelligent Transport System Project (ITS) in Kanagawa Prefecture – aimed at helping to reduce road accidents via the analysis of traffic data collected from on-the-road vehicles and traffic beacons. In Japan, the company’s safety vision is to halve the number of traffic fatalities or serious injuries involving Nissan vehicles by 2015 compared with the level in 1995.
When I first saw a viper I had the opinion that all american cars were useless - large under refined engines pushing out 1/10th the efficiency of the european equivalent.
Track-day junkies can finally get their hands on a street-legal racing version of the Viper to drive to the course—because railering is just so unccool.
But perhaps cars and times have changed? Still don’t know if many UK buyers will choose a viper over a ferrari or Merc SLR!
With statistics like that, and looks like this: it does make you have a little ‘hmmm maybe’ though
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Ok, it’s one thing looking at pictures of Ken Brough’s awesome hand-built ATV (or Quad-Bike) that’s powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine from a Subaru Impreza WRX STi but seeing and hearing it in live action, is something else. Once you’re finished watching the video (don’t be shy, do it more than once, we did) […]
ROUSH Performance unveiled the 510-horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque P-51A Mustang automobile Tuesday at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. “I’ve often said that there was never a Mustang built that I didn’t like and that includes both the car and the airplane,” said Jack Roush, an aviation enthusiast who currently owns two P-51 Mustang warbirds. “This is the type of product that ROUSH has wanted to produce for at least 10 years but the right platform, the right technology, and the right timing never intersected until now.”
The ROUSH P-51A is easily the highest horsepower Mustang the company has ever produced and represents the first time internal engine components have been upgraded by ROUSH technicians in its Livonia, Michigan, facility. It was determined that the only way to give the P-51A moniker its due was to completely break into the 4.6L, 3V and rebuild several of the functional internal components, which include a forged steel eight-bolt crankshaft, forged aluminum pistons with increased dish to lower the compression from 9:8 to 8:6, and forged steel H-Beam connecting rods. These upgraded parts were necessary for the stock Ford engine (which comes with 300 horsepower from the factory) to be able to withstand the additional power generated from the newest iteration of the legendary ROUSHcharger supercharger system.
Additional alterations include a custom aluminum upper and lower intake manifold for the high-capacity air-to-water intercooler and ROUSHcharger. ROUSH installs a custom fuel rail and high-flow fuel injectors, a high-flow capacity fuel system, and dual electronic throttle body.
The changes to the ROUSH P-51A don’t end under the hood. A ROUSH aerobody kit will be installed, which includes a front fascia, chin spoiler, hood scoop and rear spoiler. The ROUSH black high-flow grill is added along with cooling side shields to give the car the aggressive look it needs while stalking the streets.
Internally, the car will come with ROUSH sport leather seating and custom floor mats, both with an embroidered P-51A emblem. The white face gauges and billet aluminum pedals will get a lot of use as the driver bangs through the gears with the ROUSH short throw shift lever and retro black ball.
For those who look behind the 18-inch ROUSH forged five-spoke wheels will see the vaunted Stage 3 suspension underneath this vehicle. Designed to handle even the tightest twists and turns, this suspension includes specially-engineered and tuned front struts, rear shocks, front and rear springs, front and rear sway bars, and jounce bumpers. The front brakes are also upgraded with 14-inch front two-piece rotors and four-piston calipers. Each component was specifically engineered so that ride comfort was not compromised at the expense of the tremendous gains in performance.
Pricing for the ROUSH P-51A Mustang has not been set, but will be announced shortly. The vehicle is slated to begin production in the first quarter of 2008 and will be limited to 100 vehicles. As with all ROUSH vehicles, the P-51A will carry a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty.
